SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Phil Mickelson thrilled the huge crowd on the par-3 16th with a 30-foot birdie putt Saturday and closed within four strokes of leader Tommy Gainey halfway through the frost-delayed Phoenix Open.
Mickelson, the former Arizona State star who won in 1996 and 2005 at TPC Scottsdale, birdied six of the last 11 holes for a 6-under 65. He was 10 under for two rounds in the event that will end Monday because of long delays Thursday and Friday.
Gainey played nine holes Saturday, finishing off a 65 after shooting a career-best 63 on Friday. Mark Wilson was 13 under, completing a 64.
The crowd was estimated at 131,627, up from 121,221 on Saturday last year. In colder weather, the attendance was 38,323 Thursday and 74,723 Friday.
